Speaking recently, Lascelles said: “This is the happiest I’ve been. I’m playing week in, week out. And I’m the captain here, the fans love me, and I’ve got a good relationship with them because I love them. And we’re doing well, too.

“I’m very happy here. You hear things, you hear rumours and stuff, but I’m a young player and I need to be playing football at a good club – and that’s what this is.

“Overall it’s been an unreal season as far as I’m concerned, both for me personally, and more importantly for the club.

“This is the right club for me at the right time. We have a huge fanbase, an amazing manager, and this club is massive. It has so much history.

“As captain, I want to see how far we can go – and potentially take it back to where it belongs.”

Providing Benitez extends his stay, Lascelles may remain committed to the Toon Army.

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